Synonyms

No known synonym

Name of the disease in English

Copper deficiency

The disease in brief

Copper deficiency is often linked to a soil deficiency and you must know the deficient areas of your customers by consulting the GISSOL site of INRA.

The soil can contain enough copper, but this copper is not assimilated by the plant, due to a high level of Molybdenum in the ration. High levels of sulphates, zinc, iron or calcium in the ration can interfere with the uptake of copper.

The deficiency is masked in dairy herds where adults - at least - receive sufficient mineral supplement supplemented with copper.

Copper deficiency can take different clinical forms, in flocks or batches not receiving CMV.

Clinic & diagnosis

Deficient herds may suffer from non-specific production deficits (high anestrus rate, growth failure, anemia, etc.); if we look for objectively identifiable signs we will find:

-The discoloration of the hair: The black hair becomes gray, the red hair becomes pale or reddish gray

-Spontaneous fractures in the herd

- Musculoskeletal disorders, such as a stiff gait or a poorly defined lameness, associated with an epiphyseal enlargement noticeable on the cannons, the humeruses or the hocks. These enlarged epiphyses make believe in large joints ("big knees, ...).

- In adult cattle, diarrhea resembling clinical paratuberculosis: intermittent diarrhea, then chronic diarrhea,

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

-Global dietary deficit or deficiency in trace elements and major vitamins- CA1

-Zinc deficiency DR40.1

-Polyparasitism-strongylosis-large fluke Or paramphistomosis PA10.1

-Paratuberculosis DG44

- Osteomalacia N191

Confirm a suspicion?

Collect blood on an anticoagulant (heparin-tube with green cap), separate the plasma before long transport and request an assay for plasma copper.

Prognosis and treatment

Treatment of a copper deficiency can be done:

- By injection for emergency treatment

-By a supply of vitamin mineral supplement in powder or licking blocks; it is necessary to aim for an intake of 10 mg / kg of dry matter in the ration.

Prevention

-A direct contribution of copper to the soil is practicable by spraying the soil.

-A mineral supplement adapted to the production and the ration consumed.

References

Veterinary Medicine-Pocket companion -9th Edition BLOOD DC-page535